Vaginal Infection

Vaginal Infection – What You Need To Know

Dr Tan & Partners Women’s Health Clinics

Dr. Tan & Partners (DTAP) provides holistic and comprehensive Women’s Health services at our Women’s clinics.

Since 2005, our women’s clinics have been treating local and foreign patients with women’s sexual health and reproductive health-related issues.

Caring Since 2005

Our women’s health doctors are experienced in diagnosing, treating and managing women’s health-related problems

We provide a private and discreet environment for you to discuss your medical issues with our female doctors at our DUO Galleria Branch and Robertson Branch.

Call our Women’s Clinic @ +65 6262 0762 or drop us an email at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg 

Who Should Get Tested for a Vaginal Infection?

Who should get tested for a vaginal infection?

Screening for a vaginal infection is recommended if you have symptoms suggestive of one (see below), or if you feel well but fall into any of the following categories:

  • You have had recent unprotected sexual exposure with a new partner whose infection status is unknown
  • Your partner has been diagnosed with an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) e.g. chlamydia/gonorrhoea
  • You are planning to conceive, as infections may complicate pregnancy and should ideally be treated prior to conception

Signs & Symptoms of Vaginal Infection

Not every individual with a vaginal infection will show signs – some may remain asymptomatic or display no symptoms.

Possible Signs of Vaginal Infection:

  • Abnormal (colour/odour) Vaginal Discharge
  • Itching
  • Pain or Discomfort
  • New onset Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
  • Spotting After Intercourse (Post Coital Bleeding)
  • Spotting in between your menstrual periods (Intermenstrual Bleeding)

Associated abdominal pain and fever may be signs of a more complicated infection potentially affecting the womb and ovaries (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)

Skin changes such as ulcers or bumps can be a sign of an infection as well but will not be covered in this section.

The Causes of Vaginal Infection

What are possible causes of a vaginal infection?

Vaginal infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites (protozoa). Some may be sexually transmitted, while others such as yeast infections, may occur due to disruption of the normal vaginal flora.

Sexually Transmitted

Chlamydia

Gonorrhoea

Trichomonas

Mycoplasma

Ureaplasma

Non Sexually Transmitted

Yeast (Candida)

Bacterial Vaginosis

Screening for Vaginal Infection

What investigations can be done to confirm or diagnose a vaginal infection?

A basic physical examination including a speculum examination will be performed. This often confirms the presence of abnormal discharge and may reveal signs of inflammation.

A high vaginal swab or endocervical swab (taken during the speculum examination) is needed to confirm the specific infection as the appearance of discharge alone is not specific enough, and a few infections may often coexist.

Vaginal Infection Treatment

How are vaginal infections treated?

The treatment of vaginal infections may come in the form of oral antibiotics or antifungal medications and/or topical creams or pessaries. The specific choice of therapy depends on the causative organism.

For sexually transmitted infections:

  • Treatment should extend to include your sexual partner so as to avoid recurrent transmission and reinfection between partners
  • Abstinence from intercourse is advisable during the treatment period
  • A repeat swab test performed 2-3 weeks after completion of the course of medication may sometimes be necessary to confirm successful treatment.

Certain sexually transmitted infections e.g. chlamydia and gonorrhoea, if left untreated, may spread upwards to affect the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes and ovaries, resulting in a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease, which may, in turn, lead to scarring and potential infertility.

Reduce the Risk of Recurrent Vaginal Infections

Some common recurrent vaginal infections include yeast (candida) infections and bacterial vaginosis. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) may also recur if not fully treated.

The identification of triggers such as sexual intercourse and the use of over-the-counter feminine douches may be useful in reducing yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

For sexually transmitted infections, the correct use of condoms/barrier protection, as well as limiting the number of sexual partners reduces the risk of transmission and recurrent infections.

If you are concerned that you may have signs of a vaginal infection, it is best to seek evaluation early; you may call any of our clinics to arrange an appointment and our doctors will be more than glad to address your issue.

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